Christian Books

From the internationally bestselling author of No god but God comes a fascinating, provocative, and meticulously researched biography that challenges long-held assumptions about the man we know as Jesus of Nazareth. Two thousand years ago, an itinerant Jewish preacher and miracle worker walked across the Galilee, gathering followers to establish what he called the “Kingdom of God.” The revolutionary movement he launched was so threatening to the established order that he was captured, tortured, and executed as a state criminal. Within decades after his shameful death, his followers would call him God. Sifting through centuries of mythmaking, Reza Aslan sheds new light on one of history’s most influential and enigmatic characters by examining Jesus through the lens of the tumultuous era in which he lived: first-century Palestine, an age awash in apocalyptic fervor. Scores of Jewish prophets, preachers, and would-be messiahs wandered through the Holy Land, bearing messages from God. This was the age of zealotry—a fervent nationalism that made resistance to the Roman occupation a sacred duty incumbent on all Jews. And few figures better exemplified this principle than the charismatic Galilean who defied both the imperial authorities and their allies in the Jewish religious hierarchy. Balancing the Jesus of the Gospels against the historical sources, Aslan describes a man full of conviction and passion, yet rife with contradiction; a man of peace who exhorted his followers to arm themselves with swords; an exorcist and faith healer who urged his disciples to keep his identity a secret; and ultimately the seditious “King of the Jews” whose promise of liberation from Rome went unfulfilled in his brief lifetime. Aslan explores the reasons why the early Christian church preferred to promulgate an image of Jesus as a peaceful spiritual teacher rather than a politically conscious revolutionary. And he grapples with the riddle of how Jesus understood himself, the mystery that is at the heart of all subsequent claims about his divinity. Zealot yields a fresh perspective on one of the greatest stories ever told even as it affirms the radical and transformative nature of Jesus of Nazareth’s life and mission. The result is a thought-provoking, elegantly written biography with the pulse of a fast-paced novel: a singularly brilliant portrait of a man, a time, and the birth of a religion.Reza Aslan is an internationally acclaimed writer and scholar of religions. His first book, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, has been translated into thirteen languages and was cited by Blackwell’s as one of the 100 most important books of the decade. He is also the author of How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization and the End of the War on Terror, as well as the editor of Tablet & Pen: Literary Landscapes from the Modern Middle East. Born in Iran, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Too few people attending church today, even those in evangelical churches, are exposed to the gospel explicitly. Sure, many will hear about Jesus, and about being good and avoiding bad, but the gospel message simply isn't there--at least not in its specificity and its fullness. Inspired by the needs of both the overchurched and the unchurched, and bolstered by the common neglect of the explicit gospel within Christianity, Matt Chandler has written this punchy treatise. He begins with the specifics of the gospel--outlining what it is and what it is not--and then switches gears to focus on the fullness of the gospel and its massive implications on both personal and cosmic levels. Recognizing our tendency to fixate on either the micro or macro aspects of the gospel, Chandler also warns us of the dangers on either side--of becoming overly individualistic or syncretistic. Here is a call to true Christianity, to know the gospel explicitly, and to unite the church on the amazing grounds of the good news of Jesus!

If your heart beats for social justice and yearns to understand the deeper meaning of your faith, "The Hole in Our Gospel" is a compelling read. Stearns combines his remarkable career journey with a powerful call to action, challenging believers to reexamine how they live out their faith in a world of stark inequality. It's an inspiring mix of personal narrative and global challenge that could reshape how you think about your impact on the world.

Was God telling the truth when he said, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart?"In his #1 best-seller The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel examined the claims of Christ, reaching the hard-won verdict that Jesus is God's unique son.But despite the compelling historical evidence that Strobel presented, many people grapple with serious concerns about faith in God. As in a court of law, they want to shout, "Objection!"They say,"If God is love, then what about all the suffering in our world?"In The Case for Faith, Strobel turns his skills to the most persistent emotional objections to belief- the eight "heart" barriers to faith. The Case for Faith is for those who may be feeling attracted to Jesus but who are faced with intellectual barriers standing squarely in their path. For Christians, it will deepen their convictions and give them fresh confidence in discussing Christianity with even their most skeptical friends.

An introduction to C.S. Lewis's works.This volume includes a biographical note by the editor, a complete bibliography of C.S. Lewis's works, three entire works— Perelandra , The Abolition of Man , and The Lion —and selections from some of Lewis's other popular works.

Book by Rick Warren

This book could be a good read for Christians who are interested in understanding contemporary theology. The author, Bernard Ramm, provides a comprehensive overview of different theological viewpoints and issues of the modern era. One of the most unique features of the book is that it doesn't shy away from controversial topics and instead carefully examines them. Overall, readers could appreciate this book for its clear and concise delivery of complex theological ideas.

'An amazingly wide-ranging book, showing that the world's religious texts can be a force for good today' John Barton, author of A History of the BibleIn our increasingly secular world, holy texts are at best seen as irrelevant, and at worst as an excuse to incite violence, hatred and division. The Quran, the Torah and the Bible are often employed selectively to underwrite arbitrary and subjective views. They are believed to be divinely ordained; they are claimed to contain eternal truths.But as Karen Armstrong, a world authority on religious affairs, shows in this fascinating journey through millennia of history, this narrow reading of scripture is a relatively recent phenomenon. Armstrong argues that only by rediscovering an open engagement with their holy texts will the world’s religions be able to curtail arrogance and intolerance. And if scripture is used to engage with the world in more meaningful and compassionate ways, we will find that it still has a great deal to teach us.‘Magisterial… A dazzling accomplishment’ New York Times‘Glorious… Armstrong is the most articulate and generous-hearted exegete of religion writing in English at the present time’ A.N. Wilson, New Statesman

The classic A Year with C.S. Lewis is an intimate day-to-day companion by C.S. Lewis, the most important Christian writer of the 20th century. The daily meditations have been culled from Lewis’ celebrated signature classics: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and A Grief Observed, as well as from the distinguished works The Weight of Glory and The Abolition of Man. Ruminating on such themes as the nature of love, the existence of miracles, overcoming a devastating loss, and discovering a profound Christian faith, A Year with C.S. Lewis offers unflinchingly honest insight for each day of the year.

This book would be a good read for those who want to delve deeper into the biblical and historical context of the Christmas story. Scott Hahn artfully combines evidence and storytelling to unravel the mystery and strangeness of the characters and events. By highlighting the family dynamics and relationships, he invites readers to see the Christmas story as a relatable and intimate tale. Get ready to rediscover the wonder and significance of Christ's coming in a whole new light.

If you sense the clock ticking for spiritual preparedness, "Come Lord Jesus" by Watchman Nee could resonate deeply with you. It's a stirring call to both understand and spiritually engage with the end-times prophecy in Revelation. As the reality of Christ's return presses upon the believer's consciousness, this book aims to fortify your faith and readiness for such a pivotal event. It's more than just a roadmap of what's to come—it's a guide to cultivating a heart earnestly anticipating the Bridegroom.

Recommendation: Supernatural Living For Natural People is a powerful book that can help readers rediscover their faith and spirituality through a deep exploration of the teachings found in Romans 8. Ortlund offers a unique perspective and a refreshing take on the spiritual truths contained within this book of the Bible. Readers can expect to come away from this book with a renewed appreciation for the power of faith and a stronger connection to their beliefs.

Many of us find ourselves caught somewhere between unbelieving activists and inactive believers. We can write a check to feed starving children or hold signs in the streets and feel like we’ve made a difference without ever encountering the faces of the suffering masses. In this book, Shane Claiborne describes an authentic faith rooted in belief, action, and love, inviting us into a movement of the Spirit that begins inside each of us and extends into a broken world. Shane’s faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, and dump $10,000 in coins and bills on Wall Street to redistribute wealth. Shane lives out this revolution each day in his local neighborhood, an impoverished community in North Philadelphia, by living among the homeless, helping local kids with homework, and “practicing resurrection” in the forgotten places of our world. Shane’s message will comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable . . . but will also invite us into an irresistible revolution. His is a vision for ordinary radicals ready to change the world with little acts of love.

The Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller is an exceptional devotional book that provides a year-long journey into the deeply spiritual and insightful Book of Psalms. Comparing the Psalms to a spiritual songbook of the Bible, Keller offers a uniquely designed devotional guide that's perfect for individuals looking to deepen their intimacy with God through daily devotionals. Each psalm is delved into with rich insights and inspiration, which would help readers strengthen their spiritual growth and lead purposeful lives within God's kingdom.

If you've ever felt like your Bible studies were more emotional than educational, "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin could be a game-changer for you. Jen offers a compelling approach that balances the spiritual with the intellectual, helping you engage with scripture in a way that ignites both your heart's devotion and your mind's understanding. It's especially empowering if you're eager to deepen your relationship with the word of God beyond surface-level interpretations.

If your faith feels like it could use some deep nourishment, or if you're curious to dissect gospel truths with a sharp and respectful eye, "Gospel Dialogue" by Watchman Nee is worth your time. It uniquely provides a conversational deep-dive into Christian doctrine that promises to fortify your understanding of the gospel and your relationship with Christ. With a historical backdrop and a format encouraging introspection, it's a stimulating read that could reframe and reinvigorate your spiritual life.